Ward County Rear End Fatal Crash

What: Fatality Crash
Where: US Hwy 83 Approx. MM 194, 4 miles south of Minot, ND
When: 06/30/2024 at approx. 11:08 AM CST
Road Conditions: Good, Dry
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Crash Involvement: Vehicle/Vehicle
Type of Crash: Rear-End Crash
Agencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Ward County Sheriff’s Office, Minot Rural Fire Department, Trinity First Response

Vehicle No. 1: 2014, Jeep, Grand Cherokee
Driver No. 1: Geoffrey Vannerson, 36 YOA, Male, Underwood, ND, Minor Injuries
Restraints: Seatbelt in use
Charges: Pending Investigation

Vehicle No. 2: 2023, Mitsubishi, Outlander
Driver No. 2: Male, 68 YOA, Bismarck, ND, Fatal Injuries
Restraints: Seatbelt in use
Charges: None
Passenger No. 1: Female, 63 YOA, Orland, CA, Minor Injuries
Restraints: Seatbelt in use

Narrative:

The Mitsubishi was southbound on US Highway 83 and began to slow in the driving lane to check on a vehicle stopped on the west shoulder. A Jeep, also southbound on US Highway 83, rear-ended the slowing Mitsubishi. The Jeep came to rest in the center ditch, and the Mitsubishi came to rest on the shoulder. The driver of the Mitsubishi was transported to Trinity Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The passenger in the Mitsubishi and the driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.